6 NFL teams that will make the playoffs in 2021 after missing last season

The 2021-22 NFL Playoffs are a ways off but it’s never too early to look ahead as we identify six teams that will make it to the postseason after missing out last year

We are more than 100 days away from the start of the regular season but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to what the NFL has in store for us in 2021.

That started already with a look at six teams that made the playoffs last season but wouldn’t do so again in 2021. As most fans know, there’s usually a high turnover in this league built on parity, which is why such a high number of changes is being predicted.

Now, we look at the postseason again with a prediction of which teams will take the place of those who miss out. With four NFC teams and two AFC teams predicted to miss out, we add the same number here, starting with a young, up-and-coming team from the NFC.

6. Arizona Cardinals

Last season, the Arizona Cardinals were on the brink of challenging for a postseason berth. After nine games, they were 6-3 and one of the hottest young teams in the NFL. Then, the bottom fell out.

They dropped three straight from Week 11 through Week 13 and finished 2-5 down the stretch. That left them with a mark of 8-8 overall, and they just missed out as Chicago earned the final Wild Card spot with an identical record.

Not everything is bad for them, however, as they did improve upon the 5-10-1 record they had in 2019. Also, quarterback Kyler Murray took some big strides, especially since he now had DeAndre Hopkins to throw the ball to.

Now looking ahead to 2021, they could be a team to watch. Not only are Murray and Hopkins going to have a full year together, but Arizona also added A.J. Green on offense. As for their defense, Chandler Jones should return after missing 11 games in 2020 and he will have some help in J.J. Watt and Zaven Collins.

All that should be enough to finally give them a winning season, helping them to secure a spot in the playoffs.